You seem to have a Gilligan's Island view of politics, Mantis. If Ginger doesn't like what the Skipper is wanting to do, of course she can walk over to his hut and have a chat. It aint so easy when there are millions of constituents. Representative democracy is the way we deal with that problem. The local member is the first port of call. The local member even has an office in the electorate which makes it that much easier to engage with him or her.
Your litmus test of judging politicians is pretty loaded against the sitting government. The government is busy with running a State. The opposition is busy trying to rally malcontents and keep any stories about sexual harassment under wraps. Naturally, anyone who has a bone to pick with the Government will find a friendly ear in opposition ranks. This is magnified in this case as anti-vaxxers presumably have been bombarding government officials and ALP members with accusations and demands over this Bill but on the other hand the majority who support it have no particular reason to lobby Matthew Guy. How many letters, emails, and texts do you think the Government has received from "concerned citizens"?
But just because the Premier hasn't engaged personally with you doesn't mean he hasn't provided you with information. After all, the Bill itself is publicly available as I assume the explanatory memoranda would be. If you collated everything disseminated by the government, you'd have a little bit to work with. On the other hand, an independent member of the Legislative Council doesn't have the same ability to broadcast his or her positions. Naturally, they'll be happy to respond to individuals seeking them out. Obtaining a few handfuls of votes at the next election can keep them going if preferences fall their way.
While it makes sense to ask independents about their position on something like this Bill, it makes absolutely no sense to write to the Premier and ask his position. You already know it. Were your questions more rhetorical, such as "How dare you steal our freedoms?"
While you're entitled to your opinions, it's probably a fair bet that they are pretty well covered by feedback the Government has already received from talkback callers, journos, lawyers, academics, human rights organisations, government watchdogs and the AMA amongst many others.
Here's an interesting experiment for you though. Why not ring up Matthew Guy and try to engage him in a debate over something he won't agree with at all. Maybe ring up and call on him to commit to reducing corporate welfare or tightening planning rules to stop developers having the upper hand. Just pick a topic that appeals to you. See how much he engages with you over such matters.
Your litmus test of judging politicians is pretty loaded against the sitting government. The government is busy with running a State. The opposition is busy trying to rally malcontents and keep any stories about sexual harassment under wraps. Naturally, anyone who has a bone to pick with the Government will find a friendly ear in opposition ranks. This is magnified in this case as anti-vaxxers presumably have been bombarding government officials and ALP members with accusations and demands over this Bill but on the other hand the majority who support it have no particular reason to lobby Matthew Guy. How many letters, emails, and texts do you think the Government has received from "concerned citizens"?
But just because the Premier hasn't engaged personally with you doesn't mean he hasn't provided you with information. After all, the Bill itself is publicly available as I assume the explanatory memoranda would be. If you collated everything disseminated by the government, you'd have a little bit to work with. On the other hand, an independent member of the Legislative Council doesn't have the same ability to broadcast his or her positions. Naturally, they'll be happy to respond to individuals seeking them out. Obtaining a few handfuls of votes at the next election can keep them going if preferences fall their way.
While it makes sense to ask independents about their position on something like this Bill, it makes absolutely no sense to write to the Premier and ask his position. You already know it. Were your questions more rhetorical, such as "How dare you steal our freedoms?"
While you're entitled to your opinions, it's probably a fair bet that they are pretty well covered by feedback the Government has already received from talkback callers, journos, lawyers, academics, human rights organisations, government watchdogs and the AMA amongst many others.
Here's an interesting experiment for you though. Why not ring up Matthew Guy and try to engage him in a debate over something he won't agree with at all. Maybe ring up and call on him to commit to reducing corporate welfare or tightening planning rules to stop developers having the upper hand. Just pick a topic that appeals to you. See how much he engages with you over such matters.